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Why Visit the West Coast Beaches?

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Why Visit the West Coast Beaches?
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The west coast beaches of Sri Lanka cover the region from the capital Colombo south towards the charming colonial town Galle. This was one of the first areas to be developed when tourism in Sri Lanka was in the 1970s, and several famous resort towns and hotels follow the sands along the way.

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Wadduwa is the first significant beach resort as you head down the coastal road. The next along is Kalutara. The road through is dominated by a magnificent Buddhist temple, with several package style resorts along this stretch.

One of the central west coast beach resort areas is Bentota. The proximity of a large lagoon and a wide sandy beach means that Bentota is the home of water sports in Sri Lanka – with everything from diving to kiteboarding to jet-skiing available here. You'll also find many restaurants, bars and top-class hotels in this area.

There are several 5* hotels along this part of the coast, catering to the package holiday market. Towards the southern end of Bentota and inland a little are several quiet and peaceful small boutique hotels.

Ambalangoda is the mask-making centre of the island and an exciting visit, and Ahungala is pleasant, but the next major hotel concentration is Hikkaduwa. Famous for its lively nightlife, Hikkaduwa also has some of the best restaurants outside of Colombo.

Further south from Hikkaduwa is Dodanduwa and the wonderful beachside resort of Aditya.  Aditya is a 20-minute drive from Galle and 15 minutes from Hikkaduwa.

 

 

Popular Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas:

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Relaxed Sri Lanka Holiday

Escape the crowds, take in some of the best scenery in Sri Lanka at a slow & relaxing pace and stay in some unique hotels.

Slow Paced Luxury

Slow Paced Luxury

Some of the most beautiful luxury accommodation in the south of Sri Lanka and a deluxe wildlife safari away from the crowds.

South Coast Discovery

South Coast Discovery

Head to Sri Lanka's southern coastline. Explore the exotic landscape, discover historical Galle, and relax on the beach.

Laid back Sri Lanka

Laid back Sri Lanka

Relax and enjoy the glorious beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka but with limited tiring journeys and added serendipity.

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Why choose Sri Lanka
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The South Coast
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Holiday Types
    • The Revitalise Collection
    • Immersive Escapes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family Travel
      • Holiday Inspiration by Theme
      • Where to go when
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Travel Soon
    • Plan Ahead
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
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